Lester Earl Hayes, a long-time resident of Enterprise and a U.S. Army veteran, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026, at Flowers Hospital in Dothan. Mr. Hayes was 71 years old and was surrounded by his family, including his loving wife, at the time of his passing.

A funeral service will be held for Mr. Hayes on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Bethany Baptist Church. Rev. Corbin Griffin will officiate the service, with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing the arrangements. Burial with full military honors is scheduled to follow the service at New Brockton City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Bethany Baptist Church from 1:00 PM until the service begins.

Mr. Hayes dedicated 26 years of his life to military service, retiring as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army. His long service and the full military honors planned for his burial highlight a commitment to the nation that resonates deeply within the Wiregrass area, home to many active military personnel and veterans.

Beyond his distinguished military career, Mr. Hayes was known for his personal interests and devotion to his family. He was an avid fan of Alabama football and enjoyed playing both badminton and tennis. He also had a special love for writing, particularly poetry, which he enjoyed sharing with his family. Above all else, the obituary states that Lester loved his family more than anything, emphasizing that they were the most important part of his life, and he cherished the time he spent with them.

Mr. Hayes is survived by his wife of 28 years, Kathy Darlene Hayes of Enterprise. He also leaves behind six children: Airen Hayes, who resides in New Brockton with his wife Alyssa; Jason Hayes, living in Dothan with his wife Megan; Lindsay Smith, an Enterprise resident with her husband Anthony; Eric Paul, also of Enterprise with his wife Shannon; Ashley Paul, living in New Brockton with his wife Meghan; and Wesley Paul of Marianna, Florida.

His legacy also includes 13 grandchildren: Jacob, Victoria, Triniti (with husband Jadyn), Reegan, Jaiden, Sydney, Juliana, Karsyn, Jaxon, Forrest, Aliyah, MaKenna, and Trenton. Mr. Hayes is also survived by one great-grandchild, Dutton, along with several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hayes was preceded in death by his brothers and his parents, according to information provided by Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory.